Maewo is making waves in the media! Earlier in May we were featured in a blog post by 1 World Connected and the Internet Society. Highlighting the positive impacts of the Vanuatu Inter-Island Telemedicine and Learning (VITAL) Network Project, the post emphasizes the health benefits that have resulted from our island’s telemedicine initiative. In less than six months, the network has “improved health outcomes through more than 1,250 interactions to solve routine and life-threatening cases alike”. It is awesome to be recognized across the world for the progress we have made.
Post Author: Beth Hotchkiss. You can read more about Beth and our other volunteers here!
On July 2nd, 2016 the Internet was turned for Maewo Island. We celebrated this occasion and officially launched the Telemedicine portion on Thursday, July 28 2016. The high speed internet made possible by Kacific Broadband Satellite is the only connectivity the hosting village, Naviso, has with the outside world. You can see the videos from the live feed of the event, below.
The guests of Honour included the arrival of the Honourable Prime Minister of Vanuatu Mr. Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas and the Honourable Minister of Health Mr. Daniel Toara via helicopter.
Also honourable guests in attendance (arrived the day before) were Honourable MP Mr. Ian Wilson, DG of Health Mr. George Taleo, Telecommunications and Radiocommunications (TRR) Regulator Mrs. Dalsie Baniala, Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) Chief Information Officer Mr. Gerard Metsan, CEO and Board Director of Kacific Broadband Satellite Mr. Christian Patouraux, TRR Universal Access Policy Advisor Mr. Brad Partridge, Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) Secondary Education Coordinator Mrs. Sussie Homu, and OGCIO Representative Mr. John Jack.
The launching celebrates the improved access to healthcare services, connection to doctors and professional health care providers, accurate and timely information, access to learning opportunities and improvement in the livelihoods of our communities, which were all made possible by the communities’ drive and efforts to connect to the Internet.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6 (accidentally labelled part 7 on YouTube)
Excitement is in the air!!! On July 2nd, 2016 our grassroots efforts will finally come to fruition; the Vanuatu Inter-Island Telemedicine and Learning (VITAL) Network Project will connect Naviso and Kerepei villages to the internet! This is a huge step forward as we work to improve the health and well-being of our community. For more information about the project, check out the latest buzz in articles posted by ABC News and the Vanuatu Daily Post.
Quick update brought to you by: Beth Hotchkiss. You can read more about Beth and our other volunteers here!
Technology comes in all shapes and sizes. In the case of the Solar Powered Educational Learning Library (SPELL), the shape is a rectangle and the size is small. Creating what we call “kiaman internet” (fake internet in Bislama) this compact device allows our community to connect to educational content through an online platform. While the SPELL cannot connect our village to the globe, it does help us build our internet literacy skills as we search for content, download educational videos, and navigate the SPELL website.
For more information about the device and to see reactions from it’s big debut check out the links below!
Voice of America features one of our villages, #Naviso and how we’re using Cal Poly Solar Powered Learning Libraries https://t.co/Z61J0Zr6Fm
— MTC Vanuatu (@IslandICT4D) April 8, 2016
Check out one way we’re getting Internet ready on #Maewo island in #Vanuatu https://t.co/sPZzPq2MQ6 #ICT4D
— MTC Vanuatu (@IslandICT4D) April 8, 2016
Post Author: Beth Hotchkiss. You can read more about Beth and our other volunteers here!